The Collectors Book Two: Full Circle (The Collectors Series 2) (27 page)

Sodden, shivering, teeth chattering, the woman sat and wiped the water from her face. She looked humiliated. “I want to die. Why did you save me?”

Bear sagged against the stern rail, shivered and lay for a few moments breathing deeply before removing most of his clothing. “PK, my heart stopped when I hit the water. It’s fucking freezing.”

Petros held up his right hand. “I can think of better ways to spend a winter’s morning.” He turned to the woman. “What’s your name?”

She looked at him guardedly. “Phoebe Jewell,” she said.

“Andreas, take Ms Jewell to my cabin. There’s a wardrobe of clothes. Something might fit. Doesn’t matter if they don’t, they’ll be dry and better than what she’s wearing. We’ll have to land her at the nearest Marine police unit and they’ll assist her.”

“I’ll take care of our guest,” said Andreas. He helped her negotiate the steps into the cabin.

“Give her plenty of hot tea or coffee. Just keep her warm.” Petros started the port engine and began the journey to Wapping Police station.

Andreas returned to the deck. “I found the clothes and she’s having a hot shower. I’ll go with her and let her use my flat until she sorts herself out. She lost her job, boyfriend dumped her and threw her out when she told him she was pregnant. She told me it happened at a party. Her partner, who she trusted, spiked her drink. In the morning she woke with a man she’d never seen before and from unkind remarks he hadn’t been the last to have sex with her. She went back to her mother but it didn’t work. The last couple of weeks she’s been sleeping in hostels.”

“You discovered that quick enough.”

“She needed to spew it out and I listened.”

“Saint Andreas to the rescue.”

“Without your help, she’d be dead. You forget I know you, you're a big softy. At any rate I’ll call you later and meet you, wherever.”

“You’re concerned. Why?”

Andreas spread his hands. “It’s so unfair when life digs a pit and through no fault of your own, you get shoved in.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” said Petros. “Food, warmth and shelter the three things for survival. She needs clothes. In the chart drawer you’ll find my wallet. Take two hundred pounds. It’s my Christmas present to the lady. If you need more, ask.”

“Thanks, but I’ll manage.”

Phoebe clambered onto the aft deck. Her expression showed nothing.

Petros had seen a similar look before on tired, battle weary men and he knew the answer. She had given up hope.

Andreas held out his hand to help her ashore.

“As soon as you’ve sorted everything, Andreas, give us a ring." 

At Wapping he assisted her along the jetty. For an instant she turned, gave a half smile and with Andreas entered the building.

*  *  *

Dream Chaser
had to wait outside Teddington lock for an hour but made it to Marlow lock. Assisted by Andreas on shore, Petros secured her for the night at a free mooring.

“Early start in the morning.”

Andreas smiled. “Promise me a quiet night. I don’t think my head can take getting rat-arsed again.”

They laughed as Bear passed three beers around. “How’s our swimmer?”

“Very lucky. The police didn’t charge her. She started bleeding and collapsed in the station, so change of plan. The police took her to hospital. Pound to a penny she’ll lose the baby. A rest will do her good.”

“PK, there’s a great hotel not ten minutes walk away,” said Bear, changing the subject. “The food’s good and will save us cooking.”

“Be ready in half an hour. Come on, Dog. Time you went ashore.”

Charlie followed Petros up the companionway. For a time, he sniffed around before he disappeared in an overgrown copse.

“Dog, where are you?” Petros could hear rustling in the bushes. He went further in, branches slashing at him as he kicked his way into the dense foliage. For a moment he stopped and listened; not a sound. “Dog, I’m going back,” he shouted. “Andreas is cooking your supper.”

Petros returned to the boat and clambered on board. The aroma of cooked bacon wafted from the main cabin. He peered inside and chuckled. Charlie sat alongside Andreas, drooling.

“Bloody typical. I’m searching in the snow and you’re in the warm waiting to be fed.” Charlie lowered his head as if ashamed, but didn’t move.

*  *  *

The three men entered
The Compleat Angler Hotel
. Although it appeared empty the warmth greeted them. Half a dozen couples sat at different tables in the spacious dining room.

A young red-haired waitress guided them to a table by a window overlooking the weir and handed them the menu.

Bear scanned it in seconds. “Traditional English food. How about Roast Beef and Yorkshire with seasonal vegetables, followed by bread pudding and custard?”

Andreas and Petros shrugged and nodded.

Bear signalled to the waitress. “Three roast beef and can you double up on one of them for yours truly. I’m hungry enough to eat a horse.”

She smiled at Bear, scribbling rapidly on her note pad.

“And three pints of Theakstons best bitter.”

“John Smiths is the nearest we have, sir.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers. Thank you,” said Bear.

“I assume, as you’ve ordered, you’re paying, Bear?” said Petros.

“I’ll pay if your Maria makes dinner tomorrow.”

“Can’t promise.
The house is empty. I suppose we could eat in the kitchen. I’ll give her a ring.” He pulled his mobile from his belt. “Maria, we’re in Marlow and should make it tomorrow afternoon. Bear wants to know if you’ll be cooking dinner and are he and Jocelyn invited?”

“PK, it’ll be a
meze of sorts,” said Maria. “With the snow and everything I can’t get to the shops.”

“Bear, Maria says it’ll be a
meze.”

“Please tell her I can’t think of a better feast.”

“I heard that.”

“Okay, take care and I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Close your ears, Andreas, he gets lovey-dovey at this point.”

Petros ended the call. “You’re so tough when it comes to Jocelyn?” Bear smiled but said nothing.

Beers were consumed, stories retold for the umpteenth time and the meal eaten. Bear shoved his empty plate away and patted his stomach with both hands.

“Told you the food was good.”

Petros spotted the waitress standing by the door. He glanced at his watch, surprised at the time. “I think they’re waiting for us to go.” He motioned her over and she gave him the bill.

“For you,
Bear.”

He opened his wallet and removed two fifty pound notes and a ten. “These are for an excellent meal and the ten is for three men keeping you from your warm bed.”

She blushed. “Thank you.” With a spring to her step she walked away.

Bear grabbed their coats and handed them out. From the warmth of the hotel, the air outside froze the breath from their mouths. The three of them didn’t talk on their way back. Petros opened the main cabin door and Charlie charged out, stopped a few metres from the boat, cocked his leg, and returned.

“Dog, I bet that’s the quickest piss you’ve ever had,” said Petros. “Okay, guys, pillows, blankets, you know where they are. Early start in the morning. I want to get home.”

*  *  *

Andreas left the boat to catch the early train. Bear cooked breakfast and Petros guided
Dream Chaser
to the centre of the river for the final leg of the journey. Dense dark clouds concealed the sun. Minutes later a blizzard arrived.

A freezing wind stung their faces. To keep warm, Petros and Bear completed half hour stints on the wheel. In normal conditions with good visibility they would have remained in the wheelhouse.

Ten locks emptied, filled and emptied and the gates closed. The weather did its worst. Each lock keeper gave assistance and politely told them they were mad to be on the river in such conditions.

Late in the afternoon,
Dream Chaser
berthed alongside her new mooring. Bear doubled up the ropes for safety while Petros turned off the fuel and gas lines. When they were finished the two men and Charlie trudged across the lawn to the house, their footprints removed in seconds by the drifting snow. On reaching the main door, it opened.

“I hoped you’d make it,” said Maria.

“The thought of seeing you drove him on, Maria,” said Bear.

She blushed. “Come in and shut the door.”

Charlie charged between them, skidded on the polished floor, did a smart turn, and ended up alongside Alysa’s playpen. She crawled over, grabbed his fur and let him wash her face.

Petros held his wife and kissed her. Bear made his way into the kitchen and opened the fridge.

“Do you want something to eat?” said Maria.

“Are you kidding?” said Bear. “I’m starving.”

The telephone rang. “It’s more than likely your mother. She’s been phoning every half hour.”

Petros lifted the handset.
“Petros Kyriades speaking.”

“Petros,
it’s Rabbi Levy. Mozeltov. Your mother tells me you’re a father to a lovely daughter.” There was a short pause. “Tell me, Petros, are you still collecting?”

“Rabbi, is the Pope a Catholic?”

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